Since 1999, fans and artists have come together for an annual event to pay tribute to one of Japan’s most influential figures within the country’s music industry. Matsumoto Hideto, better known as hide, passed away on May 2nd, 1998. As a musician, guitarist, singer, producer, and overall creative powerhouse, he made some of the biggest contributions to the world of music, creating a new music movement and paving the way to success for many bands for decades after his passing.
In 2008, the large-scale two-day 10th-anniversary event, ‘hide Memorial Summit,’ took place at Ajinomoto Stadium, attracting 100,000 fans to witness tribute performances from big-name talents such as Maximum the Hormone, DJ OZMA, Luna Sea, T.M. Revolution, DIR EN GREY, MUCC, and many more, alongside X JAPAN.
Now, in 2024, marking the 26th anniversary of his passing, close friends, former band mates, and even boyband icon EXILE SHOKICHI and anime girl DJ Minami Momochi, came together with one thing in common: a shared admiration for the groundbreaking rock star enigma. While not as grandiose as the 2008 spectacle, this two-day annual event of memorial film screenings, talks, and live performances held on May 1st and May 2nd marked the first of two annual events held at CLUB CITTA’ in Kanagawa, hide’s birth prefecture.
From X JAPAN to LEMONed: The evolution of hide
hide was born on December 13, 1964, in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Discovering rock music while in elementary school, he became obsessed with the guitar, and in 1981, he founded the heavy metal band Saver Tiger, before defecting to X JAPAN (formerly known as X) in 1987. X JAPAN gained immense popularity with their never-before-seen visual style and intense rock sound. hide’s contributions to the band helped shape their identity and cemented their status as pioneers of the visual kei movement. The name “visual kei” itself originated from a slogan written by hide, “Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock”, which was emblazoned across the front cover of X JAPAN’s 1989 album ‘Blue Blood’.
In addition to his work with X JAPAN, hide embarked on a successful solo career in 1993. He released three multi-platinum solo albums and established the record label ‘LEMONed’ in 1996, highlighting his versatility as an artist and industry figurehead. hide’s solo work explored various musical genres, from rock to pop, and earned him widespread acclaim. Iconic singles released under the ‘hide with Spread Beaver’ name, such as ‘Rocket Dive’ and ‘Pink Spider’, soared to the top of the charts, with the latter winning multiple awards, including ‘Song of the Year’ at the Japan Gold Disc awards.
A tragic loss and global mourning
hide’s life was tragically cut short on May 2nd, 1998, when he was found hanged in his apartment in Tokyo. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a true visionary. The circumstances surrounding hide’s death remain a topic of speculation to this day, with some suggesting it was accidental, while others believe it was intentional.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief from fans around the world. On May 7th, an estimated 50,000 mourners gathered to line kilometers of scorching sidewalk a stone’s throw away from Tokyo’s bustling Ginza district to pay their respects at his funeral, with many expressing their love and admiration for the beloved rock star. hide’s passing had a profound emotional impact on his predominantly teenage fans, who saw him as a symbol of rebellion and individuality in a society that often valued conformity.
Honoring hide’s legacy: Commemorating his 60th birthday and continuing impact
The influence hide had on Japan’s heavy music scene cannot be overstated. His bold artistic vision and fearless approach to music and fashion inspired countless musicians and bands, shaping the landscape of Japanese rock for generations to come. hide’s legacy lives on in the music of artists who continue to push boundaries and challenge conventions, carrying on his spirit of creativity and innovation.
The second annual memorial event of the year will take place on December 8th to commemorate what would have been hide’s 60th birthday on December 13th. Coined ‘hide Birthday Party 2024 ~hide 60th Anniversary~’, the event will feature guest performances from former bandmates and industry icons alike, such as PATA (X JAPAN), Chirolyn (former hide with Spread Beaver), ZEPPET STORE (former signees to LEMONed), defspiral (previously TRANSTIC NERVE, founded by hide), and among others.
With fans and artists alike gathering annually to pay tribute to his memory, hide’s spirit lives on through the artists he inspired and those who continue to celebrate his groundbreaking work. His achievements will endure for years to come, a testament to the timeless power of him as a musician, a personality, and a role model of multiple generations.
hide
REPSYCLE～hide 60th Anniversary Special Box～
Release Date: 01/05/2024
Label: Universal Music Japan
Available at: CDJapan
